URBN Coal Fired Pizza

There are two URBNs to consider.

URBN Coal Fired Pizza in North Park has a hip bar up front (communal tables; specialty cocktails). The sit-down area in the back's where the date-night action happens. And there are meat-and-cheese-free offerings for your vegan paramour. 3085 University Ave. North Park. (619) 255-7300 or urbnnorthpark.com.

Vista's URBN Coal Fired Pizza doesn't have an industrial ceiling fan like the North Park URBN. It doesn't have a full bar. But this bustling pie outpost offers a cool setting, red and white pizzas, plus beer and wine. And if your date agenda includes Mother Earth Brewery Co. across the street, URBN'll deliver. 203 Main Street. Vista. (760) 724-8840 or urbnpizza.com.

Eureka! Burger

A burger-and-whiskey detour before a rom-com at Arclight Cinemas? This new addition to the UTC dining lineup. Eureka! Burger is a gastropub with truffle fries, taco salads, gourmet sandwiches and burgers, craft beer, and a welcome number of American whiskeys. It's located between Macy's and movie theater. Westfield UTC, 4353 La Jolla Village Drive, University City. (858) 210-3444 or eurekaburger.com.

Underbelly

Slurping is risqué for a first date. But a steamy bowl of ramen at Little Italy's tiny, trendy Underbelly will send the right message -- that you're capable of loving protein-heavy noodle bowls. (See the Belly of the Beast with short rib, oxtail dumplings and beef brisket.) 750 West Fir St. Little Italy. (619) 269-4626 or godblessunderbelly.com.

...And keep the date going in Little Italy

Underbelly has beer, wine and sake to soothe your nerves. Continue the night with cocktails at Monello next door (also first-date worthy), wine at Davanti Enoteca a block away, or high-octane alcohol at Craft & Commerce in the same Little Italy hood.